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Jesus Eulogizes John the Baptist - 045
(The following lesson is based on Getting To Know Jesus lesson 045 in Getting To Know Jesus - Volume 04)
How to Treat Others
I recently celebrated my sixtieth birthday. Knowing Sylvia’s pendant to celebrate such events, especially “milestones” with some flare, I asked for a birthday party in lieu of anything else. What I got was about 120 friends gathering together to celebrate my birthday. I have never had a party like that thrown for me.
Included in the event was a dinner with lots of good food. We all laughed. They also presented a photo collage on PowerPoint that gave a brief overview of my life.
One of the things realized was that this was a celebration of my life and what I meant to others before I died. Funerals are somewhat similar, except the person had died.
Jesus had just been questioned by some of John the Baptist’s followers who were inquiring for John about whether Jesus was the Messiah. After answering their question, Jesus takes the opportunity to say a few things about John the Baptist. Even in this event, there are lessons for us!
Challenge Errant Thinking – Matthew 11:7-10; Luke 7:24-27
Jesus begins by expressing the Jewish contemporary opinion of John. He does not do it as a put down, but merely a neutral observation. He reiterates what the most people were expecting of John. Then He presents the truth.
Be careful what you SAY
Even Christians get involved in errant rhetoric. Political bashing, criticizing of other Christians or Christian organizations, etc. is not constructive to our Christian witness.
Seek to REASON, not ARGUE
We can’t reach those who are engaged in sexual immorality, drug addicts, or people who condone sinful activities if we just all out attack them. We must show them that we understand what they are thinking, explain where that thinking comes from and then point out its fallacies.
Speak the TRUTH in LOVE
We do want to be able to explain God’s way in a manner that the other person will understand and not feel like they are being attacked.
Speak Well of Others – Matthew 11:11-15; Luke 7:28-30
Jesus goes on to tell the people that there has never been a spokesman for God as great as John the Baptist. When you think of men like Abraham, David, Isaiah, Elijah, Elisha and Jeremiah, that is quite a statement.
Don’t put OTHER people DOWN
When I hear someone putting someone else down, my nature is to think less of the one talking than of the one they are talking about. We don’t build ourselves up by putting others down, but by speaking about the good in other people’s lives.
Find the GOOD in other people and COMMEND them for it
Mom said, “If you have nothing good to say, say nothing.” Will Rogers said that he never met a man he didn’t like. We need to look for the good in others and speak that good to them and about them. That will make other think good of us also.
Don’t Reject God’s Anointed – Matthew 11:16-19; Luke 7:31-35
Jesus reflects on how some Jews are trying to Him into a mold that He doesn’t fit. Rather than seeing who He is in God, they are trying to tell Him whom He can or cannot be.
Don’t criticize other CHRISTIANS
It is a dangerous thing when we start to criticize other Christians just because they believe or worship different. There are so many people going to hell who need the clear message of salvation that we don’t have time to waste criticizing how others do it. If they are doing something that is not Scriptural, go to them in private. Don’t talk behind their back.
The law by which you JUDGE is the law by which you will be JUDGED
It is likewise unwise to criticize another person for how they are doing their job, managing their money, treating their spouse or raising their children just because you don’t like how they are doing it.
CONCLUSION
What you say about others will come back to what others say about you and how they treat you! Remember the Golden Rule? Are you someone who is often talking about others in an uncomplimentary way or are you someone who always defends the underdog and builds other people up?
In Getting To Know Jesus - 046, we are going to get some insights on Jesus’ attitude towards women. The Women’s Lib movement needs to join us as we look into this matter.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Muslim Extremism and Bullying Exposed
Muslim Extremism and Bullying Exposed. While I believe that Pastor Terry Jones used bad judgment in burning the Quran recently, I am even more appalled at the reaction of the Muslims. Jones, in his symbolic defining of the Quran as a book that advocates anti-Christian beliefs, succeeded in exposing the evil of the Muslim religion. Why are the Muslims rioting and killing innocent people? Why aren’t the Muslim leaders condemning that behavior? Christianity has never condoned the outright murder of non-Christians. We don’t force people to become Christians, but instead, through love and gentle persuasion, we offer others an opportunity to find the forgiveness of sin, hope and eternal life that we have. The Muslim Quran teaches that Christians and Jews are infidels who should be killed. They carry out all kinds of executions and suicide bombings to intimidate people into allowing them to have their way. Somewhat like the ACLU, they use threats and terrorism to push their agenda on others. That is nothing but bullying. Why aren’t the Muslim leaders condemning Muslims for killing the UN workers and other Christians? Why don’t the Muslims condemn the burning of the Holy Bibles that were taken to Iran by United States soldiers for their personal use? They want us to play by their rules, but they have no respect for our rules, our freedom or even our religion. Pastor Jones did not kill any Muslims. He did not advocate the killing of Muslims. He only expressed his displeasure with the teachings of the Quran by burning one copy of the book. Muslims, in turn have murdered a dozen UN workers and thousands of Christians, and have rioted and demonstrated in an attempt to bully the rest of the world into complying to Muslim Law. Muslims do not control the world or dictate law for the rest of the world. Jesus Christ is King and He dictates law for all regardless of race or place. All of the kingdoms and nations of the earth will never have more power, territory or outreach than Jesus Christ and is Kingdom, the Church. No government will last as long as the Church has lasted. In the United States, you can be a Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, atheist or any religion in the United States (a Christian nation), but you can’t be a Christian in a Muslim country. If Muslims want the right to their views, it is only logical that they must also allow and respect our views. God Bless America!
Friday, February 11, 2011
Welcome Home
Welcome Home
The son thought he knew more than dad so he insisted on getting his share of the inheritance and leaving home so he wouldn’t have to listen to or obey his father any more. Off he went, far from home, far from his father’s wisdom and instruction. He spent his money like it was a never-ending supply. He had wild parties with immoral girls and other friends. He did what he thought would make him happy, until the money ran out.
This sounds like too many of our young people for ages. Most teenagers develop a time when they don’t want to be under their parent’s control any more. Some stick it out until college, career and marriage takes them away. However, too many simply rebel and get into doing drugs, having sex outside of marriage or sneaking out at night, etc. The worst part of it all is what they do to themselves in their quest for independence.
When the money ran out, so did his friends. Hunger can drive a man to do a lot that he would not consider doing otherwise. This young man took a job doing something that would have been absolutely detestable at home. He fed the pigs. After a short period of this unpleasant living, the son realizes that dad was a whole lot smarter than he thought.
Sooner or later, the rebellious teenager or young adults learn that dad was a whole lot smarter than they thought he was. It is amazing how much fathers learn between the time that their sons turn 18 to the time they turn 25. Some return to their parents and seek forgiveness and restoration. Others self-destruct or let their pride and pain keep them from reestablishing their relationship with their parents.
The young man in our story decided that he needs to return home, ask forgiveness and get a job working for his father. When dad sees him coming, he runs with excitement, greets his dirty son with ragged clothes. The father has some really nice clothes brought to his son and prepares a feast. He is so glad to have his son back that he wants to celebrate. Even though the son admits he isn’t worthy, that doesn’t matter to the father. He is simply glad to know his son is alive, safe and back home.
That is how God is with us. When we rebelled and thought we knew more than He does, He allowed us the freedom to leave His provision and caring instruction and strike out on our own. When we got full of the devil and realized that it wasn’t what the world made it out to be, our father was waiting to welcome us back home.
God loves you too much to leave you in your sin. No matter what you have done in the past, He will forgive you if you come to Him, confess your sins and acknowledge that Jesus Christ died on the cross for you so you could be forgiven. If you will come to faith in Jesus, God will wrap His heavenly arms around you, love you and celebrate that you are now back in fellowship with Him.
Those of you who know your Bibles will recognize the story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-24. Just remember how excited God was when you chose Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Share God’s love and excitement with someone else. They are looking for Jesus’ love also.
The son thought he knew more than dad so he insisted on getting his share of the inheritance and leaving home so he wouldn’t have to listen to or obey his father any more. Off he went, far from home, far from his father’s wisdom and instruction. He spent his money like it was a never-ending supply. He had wild parties with immoral girls and other friends. He did what he thought would make him happy, until the money ran out.
This sounds like too many of our young people for ages. Most teenagers develop a time when they don’t want to be under their parent’s control any more. Some stick it out until college, career and marriage takes them away. However, too many simply rebel and get into doing drugs, having sex outside of marriage or sneaking out at night, etc. The worst part of it all is what they do to themselves in their quest for independence.
When the money ran out, so did his friends. Hunger can drive a man to do a lot that he would not consider doing otherwise. This young man took a job doing something that would have been absolutely detestable at home. He fed the pigs. After a short period of this unpleasant living, the son realizes that dad was a whole lot smarter than he thought.
Sooner or later, the rebellious teenager or young adults learn that dad was a whole lot smarter than they thought he was. It is amazing how much fathers learn between the time that their sons turn 18 to the time they turn 25. Some return to their parents and seek forgiveness and restoration. Others self-destruct or let their pride and pain keep them from reestablishing their relationship with their parents.
The young man in our story decided that he needs to return home, ask forgiveness and get a job working for his father. When dad sees him coming, he runs with excitement, greets his dirty son with ragged clothes. The father has some really nice clothes brought to his son and prepares a feast. He is so glad to have his son back that he wants to celebrate. Even though the son admits he isn’t worthy, that doesn’t matter to the father. He is simply glad to know his son is alive, safe and back home.
That is how God is with us. When we rebelled and thought we knew more than He does, He allowed us the freedom to leave His provision and caring instruction and strike out on our own. When we got full of the devil and realized that it wasn’t what the world made it out to be, our father was waiting to welcome us back home.
God loves you too much to leave you in your sin. No matter what you have done in the past, He will forgive you if you come to Him, confess your sins and acknowledge that Jesus Christ died on the cross for you so you could be forgiven. If you will come to faith in Jesus, God will wrap His heavenly arms around you, love you and celebrate that you are now back in fellowship with Him.
Those of you who know your Bibles will recognize the story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-24. Just remember how excited God was when you chose Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Share God’s love and excitement with someone else. They are looking for Jesus’ love also.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Admitting I Was Wrong
Admitting I Was Wrong
In Luke 18:9-14, Jesus talks about the Pharisee and the publican (tax collector) praying. The Pharisee was so self-righteous that he could not see his own sin. He arrogantly compared himself to a tax collector as though he was better than the other guy. I have observed that when we compare ourselves to others, it is either with an attitude or pride (I’m not like that person) or pity (I wish I could be like that person). Either way is wrong and hinders us from being who we are in Christ.
The tax collector knew that he has been dishonest in many of his dealings. Without comparing himself to anyone but God’s standards (Jesus Christ), he comes to God and begs for mercy and forgiveness. He knows how he has behaved in the past and he knows what many people think of him. He knows that he has not lived perfectly by God’s standards and that he is in need of forgiveness. His heart is humble and sincere before God.
Before we can be forgiven of anything, we must admit what it is that we need to be forgiven of. Saying, “Forgive me of my sins” without taking a personal assessment to identify those particular sins is not as life changing and effective as asking forgiveness for … and naming the exact behavior. Until we admit what we have done wrong, we are not going to identify the temptation that lead to that wrong and change our behavior.
Until we see and acknowledge what we are doing, we will not make any effort to change it. We will be like the Pharisee instead of the tax collector. When we identify a specific wrong behavior, then we can look at the temptation that triggered that behavior and make an effort to change how we handle that temptation in the future.
Once you become adept at recognizing the temptations in your life, you will become skilled at resisting those temptations. By so doing, you will become more like Christ. That is the power that Jesus give you – the power to resist temptation and refrain from sin.
May God guide and bless you as you seek to follow Him more perfectly. May He help you recognize temptation and turn away from it before it becomes sin.
In Luke 18:9-14, Jesus talks about the Pharisee and the publican (tax collector) praying. The Pharisee was so self-righteous that he could not see his own sin. He arrogantly compared himself to a tax collector as though he was better than the other guy. I have observed that when we compare ourselves to others, it is either with an attitude or pride (I’m not like that person) or pity (I wish I could be like that person). Either way is wrong and hinders us from being who we are in Christ.
The tax collector knew that he has been dishonest in many of his dealings. Without comparing himself to anyone but God’s standards (Jesus Christ), he comes to God and begs for mercy and forgiveness. He knows how he has behaved in the past and he knows what many people think of him. He knows that he has not lived perfectly by God’s standards and that he is in need of forgiveness. His heart is humble and sincere before God.
Before we can be forgiven of anything, we must admit what it is that we need to be forgiven of. Saying, “Forgive me of my sins” without taking a personal assessment to identify those particular sins is not as life changing and effective as asking forgiveness for … and naming the exact behavior. Until we admit what we have done wrong, we are not going to identify the temptation that lead to that wrong and change our behavior.
Until we see and acknowledge what we are doing, we will not make any effort to change it. We will be like the Pharisee instead of the tax collector. When we identify a specific wrong behavior, then we can look at the temptation that triggered that behavior and make an effort to change how we handle that temptation in the future.
Once you become adept at recognizing the temptations in your life, you will become skilled at resisting those temptations. By so doing, you will become more like Christ. That is the power that Jesus give you – the power to resist temptation and refrain from sin.
May God guide and bless you as you seek to follow Him more perfectly. May He help you recognize temptation and turn away from it before it becomes sin.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Power of Prayer
Power of Prayer
In James 5:13-16, James writes about asking the elders to pray for you when in need because their prayers are powerful and effective. How much will it bless you and others if you labor to live your life in such a way that your prayers are powerful and effective? Staying close to the life and teachings of Jesus is important if we are going to be effective and an influence to those around us.
Jesus tells us in John 15:7-8 that God will answer our prayers if we abide in Him. Nothing is more important to your life than your walk with Jesus Christ. As we are walking in obedience to Jesus, we become more like Him. As we become more like Him, we become more effective workers, influencers, care givers to other people. We will also become more effective in our prayers.
Paul admonishes us in I Thessalonians 5:16-22 to pray without ceasing. Our prayers, accompanied with thanksgiving and praise will help us to walk closer to the way God has called us to walk.
We build our faith by practicing. We build our prayer skills by praying. Exercise your prayer life and let the Power of Prayer flow through you.
In James 5:13-16, James writes about asking the elders to pray for you when in need because their prayers are powerful and effective. How much will it bless you and others if you labor to live your life in such a way that your prayers are powerful and effective? Staying close to the life and teachings of Jesus is important if we are going to be effective and an influence to those around us.
Jesus tells us in John 15:7-8 that God will answer our prayers if we abide in Him. Nothing is more important to your life than your walk with Jesus Christ. As we are walking in obedience to Jesus, we become more like Him. As we become more like Him, we become more effective workers, influencers, care givers to other people. We will also become more effective in our prayers.
Paul admonishes us in I Thessalonians 5:16-22 to pray without ceasing. Our prayers, accompanied with thanksgiving and praise will help us to walk closer to the way God has called us to walk.
We build our faith by practicing. We build our prayer skills by praying. Exercise your prayer life and let the Power of Prayer flow through you.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Aspiring to Self Discipline
Aspiring to Self Discipline
One of the most important parts of parenting is to teach your children to be self-disciplined, law-abiding adults. No one is exempt from that responsibility. Every one of us must exercise self-control over our thoughts, words and deeds.
Even Jesus was subject to obedience and self-discipline. In order to do what God called him to do, he had to obey and exercise self-discipline. Otherwise, He would not have died for our sins. Jesus was in full control of His crucifixion and obedient to His Father in the process of going through this horrible and humiliating death.
In Hebrews 12:1-17, we see the importance of obedience and self-discipline. As Jesus persevered in obeying God, the Father, even to the point of death on the cross, we are to be likewise obedient to what God has called and gifted us to do.
As children of God, we must endure discipline, painful as it may sometimes be, so that we may become mature followers of Christ. None of us have resisted sin to the point of shedding our own blood. None of us in the United States have had to put our faith on the line at the risk of death if we are discovered. The same can’t be said for Christians in other countries, especially in Egypt.
Discipline may be hard, but it motivates us to spend time and energy to be obedient and become mature followers of Christ. If we consider the discipline for our spiritual, mental and physical benefit then much good will come out of it. We know it is because God, our Father, loves us and wants to bring us to maturity in Christ.
One of the most important parts of parenting is to teach your children to be self-disciplined, law-abiding adults. No one is exempt from that responsibility. Every one of us must exercise self-control over our thoughts, words and deeds.
Even Jesus was subject to obedience and self-discipline. In order to do what God called him to do, he had to obey and exercise self-discipline. Otherwise, He would not have died for our sins. Jesus was in full control of His crucifixion and obedient to His Father in the process of going through this horrible and humiliating death.
In Hebrews 12:1-17, we see the importance of obedience and self-discipline. As Jesus persevered in obeying God, the Father, even to the point of death on the cross, we are to be likewise obedient to what God has called and gifted us to do.
As children of God, we must endure discipline, painful as it may sometimes be, so that we may become mature followers of Christ. None of us have resisted sin to the point of shedding our own blood. None of us in the United States have had to put our faith on the line at the risk of death if we are discovered. The same can’t be said for Christians in other countries, especially in Egypt.
Discipline may be hard, but it motivates us to spend time and energy to be obedient and become mature followers of Christ. If we consider the discipline for our spiritual, mental and physical benefit then much good will come out of it. We know it is because God, our Father, loves us and wants to bring us to maturity in Christ.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Swordsmanship
Swordsmanship
In Ephesians 6:17, the only offensive weapon mentioned in the Christian’s armor. Two quick observations: 1) The sword (Bible) is the one weapon that we have for fighting off Satan’s temptations. All of the other armor listed is defensive armor for our protection. 2) We are not to just defend ourselves, but take our sword, go on the offensive and cut the devil to pieces. We are not to cower in the corner, but come out fighting for our very souls. We are to use our sword to teach others about following Jesus’ life and teachings.
In Hebrews 4:12-13, the Hebrew writer tells us how powerful a weapon the sword of God (our Bible) is. It is able to cut the marrow out of the bone and discern between what is Godly and good versus what is evil and wrong. The Sword (Bible) is a powerful weapon in bringing discernment in how we should live to please God.
The Bible convicted us of our sin and pointed us to God’s salvation through Jesus Christ. In like manner, we can use it to teach others God’s truths and how they can have forgiveness and new hope in Him.
The Bible provides us with the strength, skill and discernment to recognize temptation when it comes and cut the temptation to pieces before it destroys us. As Jesus quoted Scripture when Satan tempted Him, we can quote Scripture as our defense when temptations come our way.
Learning what the Bible teaches about living for Jesus is so important in building the skills we need to serve Him. Learning about Jesus will help us be better swordsmen when we are talking to others about what Jesus teaches. Learning about Jesus will help us recognize temptation and cut it to pieces before it destroys our relationship with Him.
Getting To Know Jesus is a sword sharpening and swordsmanship building exercise. Getting To Know Jesus will help the disciple (you) become a mighty warrior in the army of God. Start your Getting To Know Jesus Bible Study squad and sharpen your swords together. Go to www.gettingtoknowjesus.org and get started now.
In Ephesians 6:17, the only offensive weapon mentioned in the Christian’s armor. Two quick observations: 1) The sword (Bible) is the one weapon that we have for fighting off Satan’s temptations. All of the other armor listed is defensive armor for our protection. 2) We are not to just defend ourselves, but take our sword, go on the offensive and cut the devil to pieces. We are not to cower in the corner, but come out fighting for our very souls. We are to use our sword to teach others about following Jesus’ life and teachings.
In Hebrews 4:12-13, the Hebrew writer tells us how powerful a weapon the sword of God (our Bible) is. It is able to cut the marrow out of the bone and discern between what is Godly and good versus what is evil and wrong. The Sword (Bible) is a powerful weapon in bringing discernment in how we should live to please God.
The Bible convicted us of our sin and pointed us to God’s salvation through Jesus Christ. In like manner, we can use it to teach others God’s truths and how they can have forgiveness and new hope in Him.
The Bible provides us with the strength, skill and discernment to recognize temptation when it comes and cut the temptation to pieces before it destroys us. As Jesus quoted Scripture when Satan tempted Him, we can quote Scripture as our defense when temptations come our way.
Learning what the Bible teaches about living for Jesus is so important in building the skills we need to serve Him. Learning about Jesus will help us be better swordsmen when we are talking to others about what Jesus teaches. Learning about Jesus will help us recognize temptation and cut it to pieces before it destroys our relationship with Him.
Getting To Know Jesus is a sword sharpening and swordsmanship building exercise. Getting To Know Jesus will help the disciple (you) become a mighty warrior in the army of God. Start your Getting To Know Jesus Bible Study squad and sharpen your swords together. Go to www.gettingtoknowjesus.org and get started now.
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